Senior Media and Communications Advisor (Fixed Term)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead strategic media communications for regional and national projects and work programmes, manage media relationships and use a broad range of DOC's channels to effectively share our amazing stories.
• $92,450 - $116,985 flexible hours and hybrid office/work from home.
• Full-time six-month fixed term.
• Christchurch location.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Are you ready to make a real impact on conservation in Aotearoa, New Zealand? We have a fantastic permanent opportunity to join our Media and Communications Team.

This is your chance to provide strategic communications support for the Eastern South Island region, from Twizel to Akaroa and Arthurs Pass to Oamaru, as well as supporting the Coastal Otago District in SSI. 

Ideally the role will be based in Christchurch, but we are flexible to other locations in the wider ESI region. Let us know your preference in your covering letter.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As Senior Media and Communications Advisor you will report to the Team Lead Regional Communications, and lead, influence and deliver strategic media and communications support to DOC's eastern South Island regional operations teams, as well as supporting some national portfolios/projects.

We're after a great strategist and writer, who can transform complex information and policy into engaging and effective communications collateral that explains and promotes the full range of DOC's work programmes.

This role supports the significant and transformational conservation work underway in the eastern South Island.

The position will be focussed on:

• Strategic leadership: Drive communications planning and support for complex issues and large-scale projects, providing advice and support to senior leadership.
• Story telling: Working with DOC staff and stakeholders to develop impactful and engaging content that informs and educates people on New Zealand's conservation challenges and successes and showcases our unique landscapes and wildlife. 
• Media relations: Manage national media relationships to seize opportunities and manage reputational risks for DOC including crisis management. You will also support Ministerial announcements and liaise with other agencies and provide surge support for crisis when required.
• Iwi and stakeholder engagement: work with Treaty Partners and influence and support internal and external stakeholders, including Ministers and other government agencies fostering strong relationships and networks.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for an adaptive self-starter who is a capable multi-tasker with strong communication planning and writing skills. You should have a natural ability to tell stories using multiple channels, identify and act on opportunities, engage with different audience.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience leading strategic communications and media relations.
• Substantial creative experience telling stories using a range of internal and external communications channels, with a proven track record of communicating across a diverse and distributed organisation.
• Experience developing and implementing effective systems to manage critical communications issues and risks.
• Ability to quickly understand multiple issues, manage conflicting priorities and operate to a high standard.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders, mentor teams, and foster collaboration across teams.
• Strong political acumen and judgement to navigate complex landscapes effectively.
• A tertiary qualification in communications, media, public relations or marketing.

Desirable:

• Experience partnering and engaging with iwi and tangata whenua as well as an understanding of the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Media and Communications Team provides media and strategic external communications support and services across the Department, working closely with the Ministers' offices and senior management. The team comprises a national and regional team. The team is widely distributed and all advisors support and advise national and regional staff on operations, projects, programmes of work and significant issues and reputation risks.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. 

You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

We will be screening applications as they come in so get your application in early.

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $92,450 - $116,985 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 23 January 2025.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Robyn Orchard, rorchard@doc.govt.nz    

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1839859